Intergovernmental collaboration between the Parker Administration, City Council & labor leaders has significantly enhanced Title 9 of the Philadelphia Code
PHILADELPHIA — Mayor Cherelle L. Parker today signed Bill Number 250065, known as the Protect Our Workers, Enforce Rights (POWER) Act. This bill provides significant updates to Title 9 of the Philadelphia Code as it pertains to paid sick leave, wage theft, protection of domestic workers, fair work week, protecting victims of retaliation, and enforcement of all these worker protection ordinances. The Parker Administration continues its promise of safeguarding economic opportunity for all, including domestic workers and other individuals protected by the ordinance.
“It is our vital responsibility to address workplace disparity, and work towards equitable compensation for essential workers like domestic workers,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “City Council and I hope and believe that together we can continue to uplift the voices of some of our city’s hardest workers while making meaningful change. We look forward to working with the business community and all stakeholders through the process as we implement this legislation.”
“For far too long, the cards have been stacked against domestic workers, restaurant workers, and temp workers,” said Councilmember Kendra Brooks (At-Large), Minority Leader of City Council. “Today, Philly is changing the game. As federal labor enforcement grinds to a halt, stripping workers of critical protections, Philly is stepping up and showing the country what it looks like to strengthen workers’ rights locally.”
“The POWER Act is a powerful piece of legislation that solidifies this city’s commitment to fighting for and protecting all workers in Philadelphia. By passing and signing this legislation, our city has leveled up its protection for all workers by empowering the Office of Worker Protection to hold bad actors accountable when they violate labor law and provides support and protections for our city’s most vulnerable and exploited workers,” said Daniel P. Bauder, President, Philadelphia AFL-CIO. “We are thankful to Minority Leader Kendra Brooks and our union brother, Councilmember Harrity, for their tireless efforts, and to Mayor Cherelle L. Parker for hosting us today and signing this bill into law, once again showing her commitment to working people in Philadelphia.”
“This is one of the most comprehensive laws in the country to protect domestic workers from retaliation,” said Abena Ruiz, a Professional Nanny & Leader of the National Domestic Workers Alliance Pennsylvania Chapter. “It will hold employers truly accountable when they violate our labor laws.”
The City’s Department of Labor and Commerce Department is currently working to release educational materials for the business community in partnership with external stakeholders.